It's a tale of two cities -- Trinidad is flourishing because of marijuana sales while nearby in New Mexico, Raton's economy is drying up.

Business is good at Trinidad’s Higher Calling U. Two years ago, it was Trinidad’s only recreational marijuana dispensary. Now there’s eight vying for that money, with more hoping to open this year.

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Cannabis entrepreneurs say Trinidad is unique -- the first stop for many driving up from states like New Mexico, where recreational marijuana isn't legal yet.

So just how many are making the trip? A lot. The city of Trinidad says last year taxes from marijuana sales alone totaled about $800,000. And this year, officials believe that will climb even higher -- close to $1.3 million.

That's money the city says it desperately needs, but some officials wonder -- at what cost? The mayor says the city has never had this number of transients in the community until the past two years.

It's a growing debate that's taking root in not just this tiny town, but people in New Mexico are watching, too. Raton, just 20 miles south of Trinidad, has a struggling economy.

Like Trinidad, Raton is an old mining town that flourished until mines started to close, forcing businesses and many families to leave. Residents say it’s tough to ignore what’s happening across the border.

The mayor of Trinidad admits the money from marijuana sales is going to good use. It has paid for the purchase of buildings the city plans to convert into a community arts space. It's also paying for much-needed repairs to the city's old water and sewer systems.

Residents that spoke with Action 7 News said they’ll happily reap the benefits and, for now, focus on the positive. The mayor said despite crime and the transients that follow opportunity, the people of Trinidad don’t have much of a choice.